Growing Up with Harry

by Meghan
(Illinois)

Harry Potter has literally been my entire life. The first book came out when I was five months old. I've completely grown up with Harry. I haven’t known life without him, and not many people can say that.

My mother introduced me to Harry when I was in third grade. I remember her coming up to me and saying: “There’s somebody I’d like you to meet.” Then she handed me the first Harry Potter and told me to read before I went to bed. Ever since the first chapter of that first book, I was hooked on Harry. He is my childhood hero, my best friend, the person I cannot imagine life without.

I’m proud to be one of those millions of people who made history. I was alive, anticipating the coming of the next Harry. Longing for the next book to be published so I could get my hands on it. I've read the series multiple times, and every time is just as magical as the first time.

I still cringe when Harry fights the Basilisk, still grow upset with Ron during Goblet of Fire, and still cry at the end of Deathly Hallows. Harry is my hero.

The summer after my 8th grade year (Last summer), the final instalment of the Harry Potter saga was released, the 8th and final film. I was blessed enough to go to the midnight premier with a couple of friends. I already knew that summer was going to be different, for it was my last summer before I was out in the real world. It was my last summer before I started High School.

But, because of Harry, the summer was on I will NEVER forget, as long as I live. During the movie I laughed and cried, numerous times. One of the most emotional moments for me was when Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing in front of Hogwarts, holding hands, silently saying goodbye.

But then, at the end where the screen went to black, and all was silent for one minute, then Hedwig’s theme blared in the theater and the credits began to scroll, I sat bawling my eyes out. I knew it then, I could feel it in the bottom of my heart, my childhood was over.

The thing I had known my whole life, the books I had grasped so many times when bored, the actors and actresses I looked up to, everything, had ended.

But, to those of us who remember the long gaps between books, who remember getting on YouTube to see the trailer for the next movie for the hundredth time, Harry will never be gone. Harry will live on in our hearts, and we will show our children the movies. We will, someday, hand our child a Harry Potter book and say: “There’s somebody I’d like you to meet.”

Comments for Growing Up with Harry

Yours is a great Harry Potter story. You have felt it keenly and you're right - you're part of history. I suppose we don't often think of that but in one hundred years the Harry Potter generation will be looked upon as "lucky".

Lucky for being there in the theater, lucky to be at the book launch, lucky to see the actors live - just plain lucky! It has been such a worldwide phenomenon and the way I read it, it's going to last a long time.

I thought what you said about your childhood was very touching...

"But then, at the end where the screen went to black, and all was silent for one minute, then Hedwig?s theme blared in the theater and the credits began to scroll, I sat bawling my eyes out. I knew it then, I could feel it in the bottom of my heart, my childhood was over."

I can only say that it is possible to keep the child inside you "alive" by determining to never let it die i.e. it's your outlook and attitude. Nobody can make you think old!!!

If you ever get to see one of my heroes in action namely: Harpo Marx, who was one of the Marx Brothers comedic team, you'll see exactly what I mean. I strive everyday to be a little crazy like him! :))

Anyhow, I really enjoyed your post and thank you for keeping Harry Potter alive and well!